Trillium leaves can be oval, elliptical, lance-shaped, or diamond-shaped in solid green or with mottling and veining of various hues. The leaves meet at one point on the stem and whirl out around it. The flowers can be tubular or cup-shaped and either stemless or held erect on a stem. Trillium plants are usually started by division, as they are slow growers. Starting them from seed is a lengthy process that can take years before you get blooming plants. The best time to divide or plant trillium is in the late summer to early fall. These plants are fairly low-maintenance with the right planting site. Make sure to water regularly to prevent them from drying out. And enrich the soil with organic matter to mimic a forest floor. Trillium plants don’t typically have issues with pests or diseases. Deer will sometimes munch on them, but they usually won’t eat the whole plant.
Light
As woodland flowers, trillium plants do best in partial to full shade. Direct sunlight can burn the foliage.
Soil
Trillium plants prefer a neutral to slightly acidic soil pH. They also need a soil that is rich in organic matter and holds moisture well, much like the conditions they would be growing in on the forest floor.
Water
Maintain lightly moist soil for your trillium plants, but be sure not to overwater. Sitting in soggy soil for too long can result in root rot and other plant diseases. During especially hot weather (along with dry spells), your trillium plants will likely need a little more water than normal, or they will start to wilt.
Temperature and Humidity
In general, trillium plants prefer temperate conditions. The species vary with how much heat and cold they can handle. Humidity typically is not an issue as long as their water needs are being met.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer usually is not necessary for trillium plants unless you have especially nutrient-deficient soil. What these plants do need is lots of organic matter. Mix compost into the soil at the time of planting, and add a fresh layer each year in the spring. You also may add leaf mold or composted leaves to further enrich the soil and mimic forest conditions.
Is Trillium Toxic?
While people and wildlife sometimes eat trillium leaves, the roots and berries of trillium plants are toxic both to people and animals when ingested.
Symptoms of Poisoning
Symptoms of toxicity in both people and animals include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. If you suspect poisoning, contact a medical professional as soon as possible.
Trillium Varieties
There are dozens of trillium species and even more varieties, including:
Trillium grandiflorum: These plants have showy white petals that fade to pink as they age. They are ideal for USDA growing zones 4 through 7. Trillium erectum: The fragrance of this species is not very sweet, but it’s also not that strong. This is a tall species with red or white flowers. It’s good for growing zones 4 through 7. Trillium vaseyi: This trillium species can reach almost 2 feet tall, and it sports 4-inch maroon flowers. It’s a nice choice for growing zones 5 through 8. Trillium chloropetalum: This plant is very showy, with 7-inch long mottled leaves and flower colors ranging from white to mahogany. It’s a West Coast native and grows well in zones 6 through 9. Trillium sessile: This trillium species only grow to around a foot tall, and it has long, dark green leaves that are mottled in purple or white. It’s ideal for growing zones 4 to 8.
